King Elk Forest He is not one of us.

@Cenric, @Odessa @Calhoun, @Germanicus, @Ravinger, @Sacnite, 
@Cynefrid, @Chad, @Aéthiee, @Kiyoshi, @Elijay, @Wren

This is MANDATORY to DEORWINE's, those not of name it is OPTIONAL

As the King led the two toward the inner sanctions of Kingslend itself, she looked at her guard with a knowing glance. She expected the man to stick a bit closer to the 'unholy' in there group, as soon trouble would be brewing. Knowing a few of them there was a chance that they would take the moment to shed any blood-

that wouldn't be polite to visitors, now would it?

"Wren please stay below the rock, while Elijay stays behind me and Germanicus above." Célnes said as they breached view for the Kings Crossing. Quite a few things were crossing her mind as each step was taken onto the rock- truly a moment where she would see how her family dwells on the matter. Would they, or would they not?

Though calmly did she see herself as, there was a slight thumb beated against her chest.

With finally, her place sitting onto the rock.. She called for the family.

May the judgement begin.

Repent and to rejoice.

"Yes, Celnes" she wanted to tell Elijah to run. Somehow this whole thing made her wanting to run too. The brief interactions with the female King was enough for Wren to place some trust - but Wren was not a trusting wolf. She had hoped winter would be over with before shit went down. Ah well.

Glancing as Elijah passed her, she scowled lightly at herself. She hated herself. First she lost her home at the vista. She jumped into joining Kingslend. She met Elijah and had some hope for the Teekons. Now it was being ripped away. It could go very wrong right now. All she had really hoped for was a friend...

"Good luck" she utters to him at last, feeling useless for one of the first times in her life.

Ravinger hated pack politics; he really did.  Despite having no idea why he was being summoned, he knew that he was required to be there.  That alone was enough to make him sigh.  Rising sluggishly to his paws, he started for Kings Crossing at his leisure.  He was neither in a rush nor was he purposefully being slow.  Regardless, he just so happened to be one of the first to arrive, save for the wolves who protected one of the Kings.  One of his ears twitched as he glanced up to his cousin and bobbed his head.  Surely by now, she knew how much he loathed meetings like this.  Hopefully, his being here was enough to satisfy her.  He took his seat without any ceremony, ready for whatever it was to be over so that he could return to his usual whimsy.

As he followed the path that led to King’s Crossing, questions flowed through Cenric’s mind, the most important one being why? What’s caused his sister to call a meeting, without speaking to him first no less. Her decision baffled him up until the point he comes across the small group. When he sees them—sees the cursed spirit that lingers behind his kin—it becomes clear why she hadn’t brought this up with him first. Had Cenric been involved in whatever this was (recruitment? the man had a nomadic scent) he would’ve made sure he wouldn’t have stepped foot in the forest one way or another. Luckily for him, Célnes granted him a chance. Unluckily for him, he would now be left to the mercy of the Déorwine. Would they approve of this? Cenric had his doubts.

Cenric made his way towards his sister, nodding to his packmates as he passed, briefly glancing at the outsider. He took a seat next to Célnes and sighed. May the High Elk have mercy on this one, he murmured under his breath. The devout may very well eat him alive.

germanicus was filled with a silent fury as he attended his king. and returned her look. their contract had been for her protection, not extension over his personal choices. and yet he was not only her guard but her subject; still, the eaglebound found the shocked anger hard to bury underfoot for now.

célnes remained his focus. he split himself into cold halves and thought of the story she had told their wretched joiner before leading them to this place. germanicus knew now that he never could have brought ico to kingslend, and felt bitterly that it was good he had not found the vestal in his travels.

moving to the position célnes noted, in the air of a man striding with heel of hand upon the hilt of his sword, the centurion took up his observation while frustrated echoes warred within his soul. she had spoken of this; he had not expected her to truly ask it of him. a mistake, and now — he held his tongue and faced frontward.

Happily, the man cloaked in white followed what he thought was his new King. His short tail swaying behind him with every step, and the only thing he thought was strange was how Wren was acting. Was she not happy he came by? Shit, did he move too fast? Fuck! He messed it up now between them, it was awkward... it was so awkward now. He moved too fast, that was it, it was the only reason for it! 

Well... it was too late now. There was no turning back without insulting this whole dang crew that grew around them. He felt so damn special. Like they were all here to greet him or something! Wren's "good luck" was seen as a charm, he smiled and let her go, for the time being, hoping they could chat later about this whole awkward situation he had gotten themselves into by jumping the gun.

And then another came up to them, Elijah wasn't sure who this guy is but all these new faces were his packmates to be! He smiled at each and every one of them, happy to take note to introduce himself to them later on - then his smile faded. The new guy who sat close enough, Elijah caught what he thought sounded like...  High Elk... mercy... this one, wait, mercy?

Casting a confused glance over his shoulder, Hey, uh, my liege? What do I do? He was starting to sweat under his collar. Something didn't feel right anymore...

A call rang out with an ominous tone. The air felt heavy, like those who were summoned or perhaps the ones who were put on display should be wary of what was to come. Calhoun paid no mind to it, interest driving him to the boulders that marked the Kings Crossing. Red hues found a soft face of brown, new, but welcomed all the same, though as his gaze traveled upwards he was met with the pelt of bleached unholiness. 

The Baron could feel his pelt bristle at the sight, despite the towering man's form being half-hidden behind his King, he had seen enough. Why did Celnes bring him here? His very presence was a curse, one she should be well aware of by now if those two that passed and spoke of false gods were not enough. Surely he had not been accepted. He would not stand for that.

A white born into their ranks was bad enough but happily accepting one was unheard of. His seat belonged at the base of the tower, but this time he could not bring himself to move forward. Instead, he stood near the back, his stance ridged as he waited for what cursed news Celnes would bring.

Another call from her kind, Celnes, more specifically. This time it would not be for celebration however for as she arrivals (be it one of the larger arrivals) the air is tense. Atop their perch, Odessa comes to rest old bones down in a sit just under where she was fit to sit along with Calhoun. Yet, he does not. She searches the small crowd, finding him oddly to the back, a hardened expression on his face. Bright yellow eyes cast to her King and, as starkly standing out among them, a solid white wolf. 

Odessa is shocked, so much so she begins another one of her smoky coughing fits. When she comes too, eyes fall away from her Kings and onto the accursed. She snarled, a bellowed growl deep from her as her tongue flicked out in a spat. Kingslend was surely falling to ruin if he were to stay.

every 2-3 days i'll post to keep the plot moving-
for Deorwine's it's alright to be late but make sure to post at least ONCE
there is no post order

It was reckless, as Célnes smiled away as all were to enter. Watchful eyes toward the guest, but after all her words of their religion, their ways, the unholy.. He accepted so- and now she expected the man to follow through. A an eye that turned toward him in silence for a few moments, as she gave a nod of assurance, "stay there until I say so."

Plans motioned through, but this one was a bit earlier then expected. She thought to wait for the season of spring to come before officially wanting her way of changes, but it seemed the High Elk himself started to test her so, as her mind slunk to the devils land on her beseech to his guide. 

Nauseating. Praise be and be saved by all, how it had started to grown tiring even through all this- but, she stayed and waited. All with her brother as they unfurrowed the plots to move forward in life, but alas the shackles of the Deorwine name seemed to always remain and stay within the confinements of the 'holy' and He, with a Thousand Horns.

She watched as they slowly came through, especially toward Odessa and Calhoun, the most important guests of them all. Only when they arrived, did she officially start, making keen note of some late guests. Surely though, they would hear her words as she echoed in the forest.

"Cousins, brothers- family. We have survived through all, the fires, the torrent of rain, unruly neighbors, trial after trial.. Though that is not the end. For i'm sure you all noticed our guest." The King never dared mention how many white wolves she had met alongst the land, for surely the rest would think they were cursed. After the fifth one, now was the time to see what Kingslend would react.

"He has asked to join us." She motioned the man, Elijah, to motion forward beside her so. Perhaps family would gasp in shock or look in scorn, maybe a few awe's in 'how dare,' or the likeness. Though Célnes was not done with her speech.

"He has agreed to repent his sins, the way the High Elk stripped of his color, and to his future generation be one blessed by Him so. To learn our ways.."

The King, was all for smiles, as she gave a glance to perhaps her brothers surprise, or his thoughts to how foolish she was at the moment. All that was planned to be risked, and see what would occur, and she too knew what disaster be befall her. At least, she'll have a guard, "Repent and rejoice, what say thee?"

She didn't like this.

Wren felt her insides squirm, but she kept herself back. Nobody had rushed to attack Elijah. Save for one woman, they kept themselves on guard. Her eyes flashed to the one who had snarled, as if expecting her to jump at the white man. The guard posed on Elijah's body would take one wolf - maybe two - but the whole pack?

Repent and rejoice said Celnes again.

Fuck this she snarls inwardly. Why? Why were they so worked up about the color of Elijah's fur? Why did it matter what some stupid religion said? The more this went on, the more she wanted to barrel into her friend and drag him away with her. They could go somewhere else. They...? What was she saying? Wren wasn't... she didn't... She just met him.

And he didn't seem to have a bad bone in his body. Why was he expected to repent for something he never even did? Why did he have to rejoice for discarding who he was? This is a cult she thinks, eyeballing all the brown wolves. you done fucked up, Wren.

An eyebrow raised as Célnes began to speak. Though he sang religious songs and enjoyed their compositions, he wasn't devout. He believed, but that was the extent of it. All the to say, he didn't really care about the fur color of wolves. Ravinger found the whole ordeal kind of silly. If the High Elk was as benevolent as he sang about, what did he care about the pelts of his followers? The bard shifted, glancing between the various wolves gathered. He could already hear their complaints and cries of outrage. 

"Let him join and prove himself, as any wolf should. I have met many a wicked wolf, and their pelts ranged from brown to timber to white. Let him prove his worth, King Célnes. I would invite him to share my den if no one else would sponsor him," Ravinger offered, winking toward Elijah as he spoke up on the stranger's behalf. He wasn't sure if anyone else would.

For once Calhoun did not let his mouth run at the sight before him, his eyes trained to Celnes as she seemed to meet his own before starting as more of their family filed in. He could only snort as she confirmed his thoughts, he wished to join. Clearly, this guy knew nothing of their family, of their culture, or he'd know he was a dead man walking.

Celnes had finally lost it. She was willing to destroy their home, their family, and any structure they once had for whatever selfish desires it was she had. How she believed this man could be anything useful was unknown, he was cursed. Scars already littered his pelt, probably from the High Elk's trials....but, then she continued. He wished to repent? He wished to learn?

Either he was an idiot or a wolf who truly knew his place. Which was better, the hunter was uncertain. So long as he acted the part of his place amongst them... he could not complain. It was unlike that mangey "guard" his cousin had picked. The man who believed he was better for such a simple underling job because he served a King. Calhoun could only chuckle to himself.

That moron's going to die.

Rather he learned or not though, he would only bring misfortune. The High Elk would not accept him, maybe if he grovels, but surely even his children would be forced to continue his suffering. A pelt that stripped was not one that could repent in one lifetime. Yes...let him repent. Let him stand before the apostles! Only the High Elk may determine his worth, but let his followers speak. If he wishes so then let him acknowledge his sins himself to our God!

The King told him to wait, and wait he did. He wanted to chat among everyone, to introduce himself. He felt so special for the time being, but as everyone's words became clear - something really did feel off. His wagging tail eventually slowed, coming to a stop in due time as he listened carefully, his heart thudding steadily into his ears, an acrid taste on his tongue... was he nervous? It felt like they all hated him, maybe it was just because he was new or something. A new face in the crowd to get use to, and he was rather different looking than they were too. He stuck out like a sore thumb, a freak he assumed, but the man really didn't quite clue in to what was happening.

Ignorance is bliss, is it not?

One guy, in particular, offered to share his den with him. Elijah's eyes fell on him, a thankful smile finding its way to his blackened lips, tail swishing again with life. Though it moved, it wasn't as vibrant as before, still, he was uncertain but all the more thankful for the kind words found in the sea of what he felt was almost hatred. Another spoke up and the man's tail fell silent once more, still as death behind him as he dared not to find that voice's face in the crowd. For now, his eyes would wash over the general tops of their heads, trying to look as friendly as possible. 

Willing to learn, willing to be a part of something more, to prove his worth and usefulness as a part of the pack. He had a friend here, a pretty one too - that made it all worth whatever would come his way.

the soldier wanted badly to glance toward célnes, to catch her eye and let his will be known. yet he kept himself still, attentive. this time, however, his focus flicked to ravinger. the man's invitation was surprising. it was calhoun, however, the voice cutting through the din, which curled germanicus' gut silently.

the whisper from sacnite; the way she had looked. those things enough were able to place the man high in the suspicion of the guard. perhaps calhoun coveted the place of king for himself. else why had he dismissed the centurion's loyalty.

germanicus waited, muted, as the trial of the alabaster heathen seemed to unfold.

The call of Célnes drew an aggravated sigh from Chad. Not because she was summoning her family, but for the reason behind it. There had been a stink that snaked its way into Kingslend. That of a wolf who did not belong. Who was not worthy. He would repent. He would be judged. Either accepted with mercy from the High Elk, or cast out.

He prowled forth out of the shadows, creamed hackles on end while glaring yellow eyes burned holes through the tainted one. His mug contorted into a silent sneer, tail lashing in agitation. Yet, unlike Calhoun, he did not protest. His own sister, Whitney, was placed with the same curse. He blamed her for the imperfection which was his cream fur, yet he still wore it proudly with his blessed browns. So who was he to speak, here of all places? But Chad was a Deorwine' through and through. Clenching his jaw, he bent his head down in silent prayer.

Cameo! (For now at least). She's on her way

Cynefrid's ears would tip towards the noise a few feet away, half awake from her slumber while a chorus of voices sounded nearby. Another call from her king; and a string of commotion nearby -- what could it be? Had another hunt come into play?

Bits and pieces of conversation along with new scents along the borders -- both of which caused dread to stir in her chest. 

Clumsily, the fawn stood to her feet and made her way towards the scene. Whatever awaited Cyne next was not something she wanted to think about until she got there...

next round 20th

"Everyone not of the Deorwine bloodline will go through the trial. He too will, once spring has arrived." If he survived that far. An eye watched toward Wren, a slight humming to how she may find the whole ordeal now knowing the more religious side that was of Kingslend. Germanicus was used to such, and Célnes was readily to protect him so despite the disagreement from her cousins.. Though Wren was a wild card, whom the King did not know of her plans now.

Though there was one thing for certain, she was sticking her neck out for the white heathen. Perhaps a worthy change.. And a thought to be, especially as Ravinger mentioned of 'sponsoring.' An interesting concept she should say, and didn't disagree with at all, "Ravinger," and Célnes addressed him "sponsoring is quite an interesting idea. You will be in charge of him.. And have him learn our ways as he stays." There was definitely a thought to use this on a further agenda.. Perhaps trade of wolves as a sponsoring of sorts, gain more members to feel more comfortable. At the same time she did not desire to have wolves continue going in and out of Kingslend too much.

There was a stinging in her last bit, as she side-glanced toward the man. He had said he would learn the Deorwine ways, but if he were to leave.. She wasn't a vengeful wolf to say, and wouldn't put the effort to do more then let him leave; but the woman never forgets. She would make sure to be known he was not allowed to return, and she was sure majority of the family would be oh-so delighted by this statement.

"Any more objections?

She couldn't say anything, and she hated her silence all the same.

Wren bit her lip, attempting from screaming to the whole pack. She didn't like this. She saw Elijah's happiness falter and she hated herself for dragging him into this. Cult. It was a cult. Like that one back in the other place she had been. That she tried to avoid but failed now in the Teekons.

Already her mind worked with some planning. She said nothing as Celnes gazed over to her. She said nothing to their acceptance of Elijah. Of the man sponsoring him. She didn't say shit. All this left a bad taste in her mouth. She felt sick. She felt like she was going to throw up.

But she had an inkling. That's all it took.

something about the way the woman wren held the darkgold of her pretty shoulders, a detail germanicus filed into his growing codex of suspects. king célnes was a progressive within her own religion, which set her apart from the rest of her clan. they were far more devout in their traditionalism than the regent who held his contract, and each time she pressed through the expectations of their faith, a new enemy showed itself.

but wren was not one of their kith. and so germanicus knew she had expected this spectacle perhaps even less than he. 

célnes, speaking aloud; he fought the urge to shift his weight in dismay and held himself upon a tight rein. so she had not forgotten. so she had named him without naming him; outsider. and that he was, and was proud to be. he must weigh now the shame of breaking their contract before it was ended, or assuming a guise he did not feel for the privilege of remaining in her esteem.

and now he possessed something worth the wintertime strife, and protecting célnes through it: the knowledge that he must prove calhoun's claim that he would be gone in when the sun returned.

The old Bull waits, listening, silent. Well, perhaps not so, as a low rumble kept lingering out from parted jaws. He wanted to join, obvious by his arrival and obvious even so Celnes' willingness for it by bringing him hear. It is said that the white wolf wished to repent for his sins. To face their God and let him be judged, that should the High Elk accept him, he may bring acceptance into his bloodline by future generations.  

The first to speak is Ravinger with full agreement. Odessa turns her face from Celnes, unwilling to look at her any future. She was no King to her, had not been since her first decree of what would be there new lives. Celnes smiles, but it was fake as ever. A woman who's cruelty lied in breaking down and destroying the very name she was meant to protect. Perhaps the girl had never any love for the Deorwine and as such, had waited for her moment. Waited until her true colors and plans could be revealed. A moment when she could take the throne at the pack's weakest state and destroy it. 

So many had come to these lands- Corliss, Brewster, Rohesia, Eadwulf and the King's own little brother and sister. All gone now. Left. Had no one stopped to think of why? 

Allow him to beg then, for our God's mercy. Either way, Odessa had no intention of being a part of this. Of ever accepting this or he as one of her own. She snorts to Celnes' words in a disrespectful spat and after another flash of her fangs to the white piece of filth, she turned and left. Why had she even bother to come?

next round 25th

There was silence. 

A careful and quiet look amongst the Deorwine wolves, yet it seemed there was either a glare of disapproval, or an air of approval, nothing between the two. Even the wolves of the High Elk, who most trust his beliefs did not say a word. She wondered how they'd feel about this, as only Odessa let out a low rumble.. The King turned to the white wolf in question, and asked,

"Do you still join?"

Then slowly did her eyes face toward Wren.. Will she stay, knowing all this? A small glance before turning her attention back to @Elijah.

She hated her silence, but cowardice refused to let her speak up. Shame at herself mostly, for wasting these people's time. They were a cult, yes, but... she felt bad all the same. She had told Cenric she wouldn't let him down. Now she was.

Wren was at a crossroads.

Did she support Elijah in joining a place that didn't want him? Did she chase him out, tell him to get out and be as stubborn and aggressive as these wolves? True, only a female was outwardly annoyed by this but... Wren closed her eyes, sucking a breath.

She could stand by Elijah. He was a goof but he was her friend. He was ignorant, but maybe their actions would make him see the light. Maybe he would leave on his own accord, and then Wren would feel better about saying she would leave with him.

But she knew she couldn't say shit to Celnes. Not in front of her pack. No - it would only destroy what the King had tried to do. It would undermind her. It would reject her olive branch. Most of all, it would insult her. It wasn't Celnes that was the problem. It was everything else, High Elk be damned.

So she remained quiet, her eyes focusing on Elijah.

Ravinger sighed audibly, already incredibly bored by the semantics of this meeting.  He was pleased that his cousin appeared to regard his words with some sincerity; however, he was quite ready for this whole ordeal to be over and done with.  There were no less than a thousand better things he could be doing right now.  Either the lad was in or he was banished.  His gaze fell upon Elijah, and his eyes seemed to say, 'Out with it.'

A trial in spring. What was that going to entail? He had no idea what he was getting himself into. Though mildly unsure of his situation now, he didn't feel as gung-ho about joining as he did just moments go. But there was no turning back now is there? He was far too gone in this, too involved, if he was to turn back now they would hate him more would they not? See him as nothing but a coward or something even worse! 

All eyes were on him now. Swallowing several times nervously, the King turned to him too asking if he still wished to join. Yes ma'am. He did everything not to let his voice crack or sound unsure and questioning in his own decision. Whatever he had gotten himself into now, he was stuck... and as bullheaded as it might be, he was willing to go through with it t'ill the end if it meant some time with his new friend Wren.

wren said nothing, and so germanicus shifted her down a notch within his mindful notes. attention shifting even though his gaze did not, back to the great white wolf who had come to be cursed among them. and then focus wavering over and overtop the deorwines that had gathered.

célnes, moving on from their disapproval. the centurion, watching odessa's shadow disappear from view. she had said nothing and yet she was a matriarch in her own right. easily a rival for the king if the others supported her. he saw again the buddings of a coup, and decided calhoun would be his first focus. 

this newcomer among them. he would not long last, germanicus thought to himself, considering the words that had been told to sacnite about himself. but he had borne a grey coat all this while among the earthen shades. outlander. outsider. yes. but never cursed. never holding a sin. the pale man, however, would represent that to all of kingslend with his very existence.

germanicus was silent. what sort of game did célnes play?